Icelandic authorities will declare a state of emergency after hundreds of small earthquakes hit the Reiquiavique Peninsula – the island nation’s most populous region.

Specialists accepted an imminent volcanic eruption and authorities evacuated a town located in the vicinity.

Even though it is located only 16 kilometers north of the eruption site, Keflavik International Airport is not closed and you continue to check and depart.

If you’re planning to travel to or from the affected areas, here are all the details on advice from European governments and airlines still operating your flights.

Will there be a volcanic eruption in Iceland?

Seismic activity in Iceland began in the northern area of ​​Grindavik, a small town of 3,400 people, which was evacuated on Saturday.

Here, the subsurface magma corridor is about 10 kilometers deep and can be seen, said geology professor Pall Einarrson on Radiotelevisão Nacional da Islândia.

“The largest terramotos originally came from there, above this ancient series of craters, but since then [o corredor de magma] “I’m going uphill, past the urban area of ​​Grindavík and heading further out to sea,” he said.

In Grindavik and its surroundings, seismic activity caused large cracks to appear in roads and golf courses.

Was your flight to Iceland cancelled?

In 2010, a major eruption in Iceland caused widespread disruption to air travel between Europe and North America, with more than 100,000 flights canceled in an eight-day period.

“In this phase, it is impossible to determine exactly where the magma could have reached the surface,” the country’s Meteorological Office said.

Icelandic authorities will raise a flight alert for Laranja, indicating a risk of volcanic eruption.

Volcanic eruptions can pose a serious danger to air travel, as debris released into the atmosphere can cause aircraft engine failure, damage flight control systems, and reduce visibility.

However, flights to Keflavik International Airport continued to operate normally and no significant cancellations or delays were recorded.

“Our voice programming is working normally, however we are always available to accompany the situation and, if this changes, we will contact customers directly to inform them of their voice,” an easyJet spokesperson told the Independent.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland?

The UK Foreign Office has updated its advice on travel to Iceland, warning of an increased likelihood of volcanic eruptions.

“Earthquakes and signs of volcanic activity will increase above two normal levels on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reiquiavique,” read an official notice.

“Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area, in particular the area northwest of Mount Thorbjörn, near the Svartsengi power station and Blue Lake.”

Visitors are advised to stay away from the town of Grindavík and the surrounding area.

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Ireland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also discouraged relocation to the city and warned that “visitors to Iceland should always follow the instructions and orientation of local authorities.”

However, the government has not issued a “do not travel” notice for Iceland, meaning airlines and fairground companies are operating normally and travelers who cancel their trips are not automatically entitled to refunds.

“We would like to emphasize that, as this guidance continues to be advisory, insurance coverage remains normal,” said Jonathan Frankham, CEO of travel insurance company World Nomads.